AmeriHealth to Assume Operations of DC Chartered Health Plan

Updated 4/5/2013) The operations of Washington D.C.’s largest Medicaid insurer will be assumed by AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies on May 1, the city’s Department of Health Care Finance announced April 5.

The sale of certain assets of DC Chartered Health Plan Inc. to AmeriHealth was approved by a judge on March 1. Under the terms of the sale, AmeriHealth will be responsible for the payment only of claims with a date of service after May 1.

AmeriHealth will oversee processing of claims prior to that date, the city agency said in a release, but will not assume financial responsibility. Claims that should have been paid by DC Chartered will be identified and reported to the Department of Health Care Finance.

AmeriHealth, a company with 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations, is a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for the underserved with operations in 14 states serving more than 4.7 million Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP members through its Medicaid managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management services, behavioral health services and other administrative services.

Following the Department of Health Care Finance announcement, Michael A. Rashid, president and chief executive officer of AmeriHealth indicated in a statement:

“We have been helping people get care, stay well and build healthy communities for 30 years. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to work closely with community organizations and providers to meet the health care needs of the underserved and chronically-ill living in this vibrant community. The associates of DC Chartered Health Plan have done an outstanding job in delivering high-quality care and I could not be more pleased that our missions are so closely aligned as we move forward together.

Additionally, this is a great opportunity for the D.C. community to have access to the innovative programs and services AmeriHealth District of Columbia offers. With our strong reputation in Medical managed care, we will work hard to ensure continuity for our members and providers.”

AmeriHealth was one of three companies selected in March to overtake assets of DC Chartered Health Plan Inc., according to The Washington Post.

For more information on the Department of Health Care Finance, please visitwww.dhcf.dc.gov <http://www.dhcf.dc.gov>